Fulham secured a narrow but important 1-0 win over Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage to move further clear of trouble and continue their push up the table. It was not flashy but it was controlled and effective when it mattered most.
Forest showed intent early on and nearly took the lead when Igor Jesus switched play wide to Hudson-Odoi. The winger delivered a teasing ball into the middle of the box and Jesus made contact but could not keep his effort down as it sailed high and wide.
As the half went on Fulham started to dominate possession and settle into a rhythm. They came close before the break when Kevin released American Full-Back Robinson down the line and the full back cut the ball back into the area for Raul Jimenez. The striker went for an early finish but could only find the side netting.
Fulham finally found the breakthrough right at the end of the first half. Kevin went down inside the box after a clumsy attempt to clear from Douglas Ruiz who caught the Fulham winger instead of the ball. Forest keeper John Victor was booked for time wasting before Raul Jimenez stepped up. He kept his nerve with a long run up and a slight stutter before calmly rolling the ball to his left with Victor diving the other way. Fulham went into the break ahead 1-0 and deservedly so after controlling most of the first half.
Forest came out with more purpose after the restart and began to test Fulham far more. Early into the second half Murillo tried his luck from long range with an effort that went close before Morgan Gibbs White followed it up soon after with a strike that drifted just wide of the post. It was Forest best spell of the match and they looked far more threatening going forward.
The rest of the half turned into a back and forth contest with both sides having moments but neither able to find a second goal. Harry Wilson picked up a booking late on as Fulham looked to manage the game. Six minutes of added time gave Forest hope but they could not find a way through.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable win for Fulham who climb above Tottenham and Bournemouth into 13th place. Forest leave empty handed and remain just five points clear of 18th placed West Ham with pressure still firmly on despite their recent good form.
